Self-sealing envelope



Nov. 16, 1937. w. HOHWART SELF SEALING ENVELOPE s Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 13, 1937 flmmmmmm I INVENTOR. 7711 Z mm Jfohwarb rat ATTORNEYS Nov. 16, 1937. w. HOHWART SELF SEALING ENVELOPE 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 13, 1957 INENTOR. W dlzam/ Jfohiuart wfwj ATTORNEYS Nov. 16, 1937. w. HO WART 2,099,303

SELF SEALING ENVELOPE Filed May 13, 1937 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR.

.\ TTORNEYS Patented Nov. 16, 1937 um'rsov srA'rss PATENT OFFICE 7 Claims.

This invention relates to envelopes of the socalled self-sealing type which include cooperative portions thereof each provided with a coating of dry sealing adhesive which are adapted upon contact and pressure to adhere to each other so as to seal the envelope without the necessity of moistening the adhesive, this application being a continuation in part of my co-pending prior application, filed March 17, 1936, and bearing Serial No. 69,255.

The present invention comprehends in an envelope of the indicated character, a closure flap carried by the front wall and adapted to overlie the rear wall with cooperative areas of dry sealing adhesive on the underside of the flap and the outer side of the rear wall for sealing the flap in closed condition, a protector flap carried by i the envelope provided with a pair of fold lines along one of which it is normally folded and arranged for disposition between the cooperative areas of dry sealing adhesive to prevent unintentional contact thereof and along the other of which fold lines it is folded and arranged so as to expose the areas of dry sealing adhesive for con- 25 tact. I

The invention embodies in an envelope of the character set forth, a protective flap having a pair of fold lines along one of which it is normally folded and arranged for disposition between the cooperative areas of 'dry sealing adhesive to prevent unintentional contact thereof and along the other of which fold lines it is folded and arranged so as to expose the areas of dry sealing adhesive for contact while disposing a portion of said flap in a position to protect the contents of the sealed envelope against damage by an envelope opening implement.

As a further feature, the invention contemplates in an envelope of the character'set forth, a protector flap which in addition to accomplishing its primary purpose of normal disposal between the areas of dry sealing adhesive on the outer surface of the rear wall of the envelope and on the under surface of the front wall flap to prevent unintentional contact and sealing thereof, is provided with an area of dry sealing adhesive on its undersurface which is adapted when folded inwardly to partially embrace the contents, to contact with an area of dry sealing adhesive on 50 the inner surface of the front wall so as to provide a double sealed envelope.

More particularly the invention resides in one of its forms in a protector flap for envelopes of the indicated character which is carried by a 55 front wall flap and may constitute, if desired, a

portion of the lining of a lined envelope with a pair of fold lines which function to dispose the flap in a normal projecting position against contact of the dry sealing adhesive surfaces on the front wall flap and the rear wall of the enevelope and which may be folded to a position so as to permit of the contact and sealing of the areas of dry sealing adhesive.

With the above enumerated and other objects in view, reference is now made to the following specification and the accompanying drawings in which there is disclosed by way of example several preferred embodiments of the invention, while the appended claims cover variations and modifications thereof which fall within the scope of the invention.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a rear view of an envelope constructed in accordance with one form of the invention showing the sealing and protector flaps in downturned normal position prior to the sealing of the envelope.

Fig. 2 is a similar view with the sealing flap turned up and the protector flap in protecting position.

Fig. 3 is a similar view with the protector flap arranged in an out-of-the way position to permit of the sealing of the envelope.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken approximately on the line 4-4 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a similar view showing the sealing flap in sealed condition.

Fig. 6 is a rear view of an enevelope constructed in accordance with a modified form of the invention, illustrating the protector flap in normal downturned protecting position with the sealing flap respectively illustrated in full and dotted lines in raised and lowered positions.

Fig. 7 is a similar view illustrating the protector flap turned inwardly with the sealing flap in raised position.

Fig. 8 is a vertical sectional view illustrating the position of parts as in Fig. 6 with the sealing flap in downturned position.

Fig. 9 is a vertical sectional view illustrating the envelope in completely sealed condition.

Fig. 10 is a rear view of an envelope constructed in accordance with a further, modification of the invention, illustrating the sealing and protector flaps iriraised position.

Fig. 11 is an enlarged sectional view therethrough showing the sealing and protectorflaps turned downwardly with the protector flap in active relation to prevent contact of the adhesive areas.

Fig. 12 is a view similar to Fig. 10 illustrating the protector flap folded to an out-of-the-way position to permit of intersealing of the adhesive areas.

Fig. 13 is an enlarged vertical sectional view showing the envelope in sealed condition.

Referring to the drawings by characters of reference and particularly to the form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 5 inclusive, 23 designates the front wall of an envelope,-the rear wall of which is indicated generally by the reference character 2| and is formed by overlapping adhesively secured inturned sections 22, 23 and 24 to provide the usual space or pocket 23 for the reception of the contents. The section 22, as illustrated in this form of envelope, is folded inwardly from the lower edge while the sections 23 and 24 are folded inwardly from adjacent opposite side edges, the upper edge of the front wall being provided with a sealing flap 23 which is adapted to fold along the fold line 21 to overlie the rear wall 2|. The flap 23 is provided at or adJacent its free edge with an area of dry sealing adhesive 23 while the section 22 of the rear wall 2| is formed with a complementary area of dry sealing adhesive 23, the said adhesive areas being of any of the well-known substances which, upon contact and pressure, are

adapted to interseal without the use of moisture and are unaffected thereby.

A protector flap 33, which in this form of the invention is integral with the upper edge of the section 22 of the rear wall, is foldable along parallel fold lines 3| and 32 and is normally folded downwardly along the fold line 3|, as illustrated in Fig. 2, the same being of an appropriate size when so disposed to cover the area of dry sealing adhesive 23 so as to protect and prevent unintentional contact of the area of dry sealing adhesive 23 with the area 23, this arrangement being clearly illustrated in Figs. 1 and 4 of the drawings which is the usual position of the flaps when the envelopes are packed for shipment or storage prior to use and sealing of the same.

In use, after the envelope has been addressed and the contents inserted within the receptacle or pocket 23, the protectfi' flap 33 is raised or unfolded along the fold line 3| until the link portion 33 thereof is disposed in the same plane with the section 22 as illustrated in Figs. 3 and 5, while the terminal portion 34 thereof is folded downwardly in parallel relation to and in rear of the link portion thus exposing the area of dry sealing adhesive 23. When the sealing flap 23 is turned downwardly, the adhesive area 23 coincides or registers with the adhesive area 23 whereby upon application of pressure thereto will seal the envelope as particularly illustrated in Fig. 5. It is also apparent that in lieu of folding the terminal portion 34 of the flap 33 downwardly in rear of the section 22 as illustrated in Figs. 3 and 5, said terminal portion 34 may be folded inwardly over the contents so as to protect the same from damage by an envelope opening implement inserted under the sealing flap to sever the same along the fold line 21. It is also possible, within the scope of the invention, to provide a weakened line, such as a line of perforations. along either or both of the fold lines 3| and 32 of the protector flap so that either the link or terminal portion may be torn away and discarded at the time of the sealing of the envelope.

In the adaptation of the invention illustrated in Figs. 6 to 9 inclusive, the front wall 43 of the envelope is formed integral with the rear wall of the drawings.

4| by the inturned sections 42, 43 and 44 which sections are folded inwardly from the lower edge and adjacent opposite side edges and adhesively secured in overlapping relation so as to provide a receptacle or pocket 43 for receiving the contents. In this instance, a sealing flap 43 is provided at the open upper edge of the envelope and connected along a fold line 41 with the upper edge of the front wall to fold downwardly into covering relation with the rear wall. An areaof dry sealing adhesive is provided at or adjacent the free edge of the sealing flap 43 and is adapted to interseal with a complementary area. 43 on the outer surface of the rear wall 4|.

The protector flap 33, in this form of themvention, is integral with the upper edge of the section 42 and is foldable along parallel. lines 3| and 32, the protector flap being of a proper size when normally folded downwardly along the fold line 3| to lie in rear of the rear wall section 42 as shown in Figs. 6 and 8 of the drawings to cover tl e area of dry sealing adhesive 43 thereby protecting and preventing unintentional contact of the area of dry sealing adhesive 43 with the area 43.

In this form of the invention, the terminal portion 33 of the protector flap is provided on its undersurface adjacent the free edge with an area of dry sealing adhesive 34 while the rearsurface of the front wall is provided with a complementary area of dry sealing adhesive 33. In addition to this, the inturned sections 43 and 44 forming the rear wall are provided with areas of dry sealing adhesive 33 and the protector flap with complementary areas of dry sealing adhesive 31. p

.In use, after the envelope has been addressed and the contents inserted within the receptacle or pocket 43, the protector flap 33 is swung upwardly until the link portion 33 thereof is disposed in the same plane with the section 42 and the terminal flap is then folded inwardly along the fold line 32 to lie within the receptacle or pocket 43 thereby disposing the adhesive area 34 in registry with the adhesive area 33 on the inner surface of the front wall 43 of the envelope. This simultaneously disposes the adhesive areas 33 and 31 in registration so that pressure applied to the envelope will effect the sealing of the registering adhesive areas. The sealing flap 43 is then turned down thereby disposing the adhesive areas 43 and 43 in contact as illustrated in Fig. 9 From the foregoing it will be apparent that the contents are doubly sealed within the envelope.

In the adaptation of the invention illustrated in Figs. 10 to 13 inclusive, the front wall of the envelope is designated by the reference character 33 and the rear wall by the reference character 3|, the former being provided with a closure and sealing flap 32 provided at or adjacent its free edge with an area of dry sealing adhesive 33 which is adapted when the flap is closed to register and cooperate with the area of dry sealing adhesive 34 on the rear wall 3|. In this instance, the protector flap, designated generally by the reference character 33, is attached to and carried by the sealing flap 32 and if desired may form an integral part of a lining sheet 33 which lies within the receiving pocket 31 in rear of the front wall.

In this form of the invention the protector flap is designed to fold along the parallel fold lines 33 and 33 although it is normally in the extended position shown in Figs. 0 and 11 of the drawings tween the front and rear walls when said are where it is of a sufficient size and so located as to prevent unintentional contactof the dry sealing adhesive areas 63 and 04 when the sealing flap is turned down, as illustrated in Fig. 11 When the sealing flap is to be sealed to close the envelope, the protector flap II is shortened to expose the adhesive area 83 as illustrated in Fig. 12 by reversely folding the same along the fold lines 68 and 68. Thispermits the adhesivearea 63 and 64 to contact with each other as illustrated in Fig. 13 of the drawings.

What is claimed is: t v I 4 1. In an envelope, a front wall having a normally downturned sealing flap at one edge provided with an area of dry sealing adhesive on the undersurface thereof, a rear envelope will with an area of dry sealing adhesive on the outer surface thereof located so as to cooperativelyinterseal with the adhesivegarea of the front wall flap, a protector flap carried by the envelope having a pair of fold lines along one of which lines it is normally folded and arranged for disposition between the cooperative areas of dry sealing adhesive to prevent unintentional contact and sealing thereof and along the other of which fold lines it is folded and arranged; so as to expose said areas of dry sealing adhesive for contact.

2. In an envelope, "a front wall having ,a normally downturned sealing flap at one edge provided with an area of dry sealing adhesive on the undersurface thereof, a rear envelope wall with an area of dry sealing adhesive on the outer surface thereof located so as to cooperatively interseal with the adhesive area of the front wall flap, a protector flap carried by the envelope having a pair of fold lines along one of which lines it is normally folded downwardly to cover the adhesive area on the outer surface of the rear wall and along the other hne of which it is folded inwardly to dispose a portion thereof between the front and rear walls when" said protector flap is unfolded from the first fold line to expose the areas of dry sealing adhesive for contact with each other.

3. In an envelope, a front wall having 9. normally downturned sealing flap at one edge provided with an area of dry sealing adhesive on the undersurface thereof, a .rear envelope wall with an area of dry sealingfadhesive on the outer surface thereof located so as to cooperatively interseal with the adhesive area of the front wall flap, a protector flap carried by the envelope having a pair of fold lines along one of which lines it is normally folded downwardly to cover the adhesive area on the oiiter su'rface oLthe rear wall and along the otherlipe of whichlt is folded inwardly to dispose "a portion thereof .be-

tector flap is unfolded from the first fold line/to expose the areas of dry sealing adhesive for contact with each other, and cooperative patches. of dry sealing adhesive provided respectively on the protector flap and the rear wall of the-envelope adapted to contact and seal when the protector flap portion is folded inwardly betwen the front and rear walls.

4. In an envelope, a front wall having a normally downturned sealing flap at one edge provided with an area of dry sealing adhesive on the undersurface thereof, a rear envelop wall with an area of dry sealing adhesive on the outer surface thereof located so as to cooperatively interseal with the adhesive area of the frontwall flap, a protector flap carried by the envelope having a pair of fold lines along one of which lines it is normally folded downwardly to cover the adhesive area on the outer surface of the rear wall and along the other line of which it is folded inwardly to dispose a portion thereof between the front and rear walls when said protector flap is unfolded from the first fold line to expose the areas of dry sealing adhesive for contact with each other, and areas of dry sealing adhesive on the rear surface of the frontwall and on the undersurfaoe of the protector flap adapted for contact and sealing when said protector flap is folded inwardly.

5. In an envelope, a front wall having a normally downturned sealing flap at one edge provided with an area of dry sealing adhesive on the undersurface thereof, a rear envelope wall with an area of dry sealing adhesive on the outer surface thereof located so as to cooperatively interseal with the adhesive area of the front wall flap, a-protector flap carried by the sealing flap having a pair of fold lines and normally arranged for disposition between the cooperative areas of dry sealing adhesive to prevent contact thereof and adapted to be folded along said pair of fold lines so as to expose said adhesiveareas for contact with each other.

6. In an envelope, a rear wall and a front wall having a closure flap swingable to overlie the rear wall, complementary areas of dry sealing adhesive on the underside of the flap and the rear surface of the rear wall, and a protector flap of a size and normally disposed in active position for preventing contact of said adhesive areas, said protector flap having spaced transverse fold lines to permit of swinging movement of the same to an inactive position for exposing the adhesive areas for sealing contact.

7. In an envelope, a'rear wall and a front wall having a closure flap swingable to overlie the rear wall, complementary areas of dry sealing adhesive on the underside of the flap. and the rear surface of the rearwall, and a protector flap of a sine and normally disposed in active position for preventing contact of said adhesive areas, said protector flap having ai -transverse fold line adjacent and substantially parallel to the fold line of the closure flap along which the protector flap is adapted for folding inwardlyto lie between the front and rear walls for exposing the complementary areas of dry sealing adhesive for contact with each other.

WILLIAM HOHWART. 

